On Sept. 27, the Fordham University Rams picked up their first win of the 2025-26 season, beating longtime Patriot League rival College of the Holy Cross Crusaders 26–21 at Moglia Stadium in the annual Ram–Crusader Cup game. Both teams were seeking their first win, but Fordham came out strong and held on late to end an eight-game losing streak against the Crusaders.
Fordham started fast, scoring just 58 seconds into the game when running back Ricky Parks broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Gunnar Smith added a two-yard rushing touchdown later in the first quarter, and early in the second, he connected with wide receiver Nodin Tracy for a 31-yard touchdown pass, giving Fordham a 20–7 lead.
Holy Cross scored twice late in the second quarter to grab a 21–20 advantage going into halftime, but Fordham returned from the locker room with renewed energy, something their supporters had been eager to see. The Rams’ defense tightened its coverage and shut down the Crusaders’ rushing attack, forcing a quick three-and-out that shifted momentum back their way.
Smith directed a balanced series of short passes and runs, keeping possession and wearing down their defense. Kicker Bennett Henderson then delivered in the crucial final moments, connecting on field goals from 36 and 35 yards to restore the lead and assert Fordham’s control of the game as the home crowd erupted in cheers.
The Fordham defense stepped up in a big way. Linebacker James Conway, a graduate student, led the team with a career-high 19 tackles. With those tackles, he became the first Patriot League player and only the sixth in Football Championship Subdivision history to achieve over 500 career tackles.
The win not only ended Fordham’s long losing streak against Holy Cross, but also set an encouraging tone for the rest of the season. With Smith leading a steady offense, Henderson making key kicks and Conway powering a tough defense, the Rams showed the determination and balance they had been looking for since the start of the year. As they move into conference play, Saturday’s victory proves that Fordham is ready to compete and turn its season around.
